Dos Gringos What’s better than day drinking with a designated driver? Guzzling with a muzzle in your lap. Sip hooch with your pooch on pet-friendly, Mex-style patios. Daily specials like the Sunday Funday Patio Party feature a DJ and fluorescent Tequila drinks that complement the day-glo decor. Four Valley locations,dosgringosaz.com

Duck and DecanterGourmet deli foods coupled with alfresco dining on pet-friendly patios are the hallmarks of this Phoenix icon. A dizzying collection of coffees, wines and teas make this a perfect spot for an afternoon refresher. May we suggest pairing your “Tea with Fifi” with a patio cheese tray? Water bowls and biscuits are provided for tail-wagging teetotalers. Two Phoenix locations: 1651 E. Camelback Rd., 602-274-5429; 3111 N. Central Ave., 602-234-3656, duckanddecanter.com

The Farm at South MountainA paws-down top pick of Lhasas who lunch, this tree-shaded property near South Mountain Park is an ideal post-hike spot. Pets and bikes are allowed on the grassy area, and also on the outdoor patio of the Farm’s Morning Glory Café and The Farm Kitchen, where fresh, organic, mostly locally-grown ingredients contribute to healthful, tasty meals. Seasonal hours; call ahead. 6106 S. 32nd St., Phoenix, 602-276-6360, thefarmatsouthmountain.com

Photos by Michael Woodall, upper left; Mare Czinar (3)

Uncle Bear’s Grill & BarIts motto – “Come, Sit, Stay” – says it all. Each location features a huge, pet-centric patio. Raucous weekends are fueled by a hearty menu, full bar with a robust selection of local microbrews, sports blaring from big screens and sloppy water bowls underfoot. Uncle Bear’s also regularly hosts events to help animal rescue organizations. Bring a snapshot of your dog to post on the canine wall of fame. Four Valley locations, unclebearsbarandgrill.com

Creature Comfort StaycationsArizona BiltmoreEvery third Tuesday of the month, guests at the resort’s Adobe Restaurant may imbibe and indulge starting at 6 p.m. with a pup-tastic Yappy Hour packed with treats for canines and their people. Follow up the festivities by going belly up for a session of Doga – doggie yoga. (As of press time, the Doga schedule was not finalized; call for details.) There’s no cover charge for these wag-worthy events, and all breeds and sizes of well-behaved dogs are welcome. 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix, 602-468-9160, theadoberestaurant.com

FireSky Resort & SpaConcerned about keeping your pooch entertained while you’re out and about in Scottsdale? No problem – FireSky offers complimentary goldfish to keep canines company. This resort has no size restrictions or extra fees for pets; however, if Fifi throws a fit and ruins the carpet, you’ll be shelling out for the damages. The resort also offers dog walking and dog sitting, and nearby Chaparral Park has plenty of walking trails for winding down before tucking your fuzz ball into one of the cozy pet beds provided for four-legged guests. 4925 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-945-7666, fireskyresort.com

Hotel Valley HoWhile some pet-friendly resorts place limits on the size of your furry friend, this mid-century classic embraces everything from petite Pugs to massive Mastiffs as long as you keep your furry friend on a short leash at all times. Although pets are not allowed in the dining/pool areas, there are nice, grassy exercise areas where Astro can stretch (and lift) a leg. Convenient canine comforts include pet sitting services, in-room treats and a special “dog in room” door hanger. Free poop bags, too! 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale, 480-248-2000, hotelvalleyho.com

W ScottsdalePets are VIPs at the W, and every part of their stay is catered to. At check-in, they’ll be greeted with a toy and treat. In the room, they can curl up in a custom W pet bed complete with turndown treat. Rooms can be furnished with food and water bowls and a litter box. The concierge can arrange dog-sitting and walking, veterinarian and grooming services, even birthday cake. The first Tuesday of every month, the hotel hosts doga (dog yoga) on the patio. (There’s a $25 daily surcharge for pets, plus a non-refundable $100 cleaning fee.) 7277 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale, 480-970-2100, wscottsdalehotel.comPet Resorts

Bark Avenue Pet ResortLocally owned and operated for more than 30 years, Bark Avenue is a one-stop solution for busy pet parents. The cushy boarding and daycare facility is staffed 24/7, and the adjacent full-service veterinary hospital, grooming shop and supply store help keep your pet chores on a short leash. 3109 E. McKellips Rd., Mesa, 480-832-3631, barkavepet.com

Second Home Pet ResortPets with physical challenges, certain behavioral issues, and health problems requiring medication administration will be well tended to by Second Home Pet Resort’s caring staff, which is on duty 24/7. Animals receive individual attention, access to a Splash & Play Water Park, and outdoor potty breaks. 747 E. Thunderbird Rd., Phoenix, 602-997-6600, secondhomepetresort.com

Pampered Paws PetsittingFor pets that are traumatized by unfamiliar environments, hiring a pet sitter while you’re away is the best solution. Pampered Paws will visit, live in or stay overnight at your home to walk, feed and administer medications as needed. They’ll also customize services to include watering your plants, bringing in the mail and taking your pets to the groomer. Serves Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Fountain Hills, 480-661-9794, pamperedpaws-az.com

Teach New TricksArizona Animal Welfare League Pets Gone Wild Training CenterOne of the most common canine behavior problems is tugging on the leash, accompanied by lunging, barking and growling. This can be fixed, says 20-plus-year veteran trainer Dianne Decker, who teaches leash manners to help dogs walk the line. “Feisty Fido” is an eight-week program aimed at rehabilitating felony tuggers, while the “Power Paws Workshop” is a two-hour hands-on regimen aimed at milder offenders. Both classes use positive reinforcement, and fees benefit shelter programs. Registration required. 25 N. 40th Place, Phoenix, 602-273-6852, aawl.org/pet-training

Arizona Dog SportsThis 5,000-square-foot gym for dogs comes with all the bells and whistles. Performance dogs and family mutts alike can participate in private or group classes that focus on agility, scent work, puppy socialization and competitive obedience. After the workout, there’s on-site massage and nutritional counseling. 4848 E. Cactus Rd., Scottsdale, 602-237-6775, azdogsports.com

Arizona Pool DogsWe humans often boast how we treat our pets like kids, yet we sometimes fail to provide them the same safety training we give our two-legged progeny. Contrary to myth, dogs are not born knowing how navigate a backyard pool and may drown as a result. This doesn’t have to be, says Lisa Maldonado of Arizona Pool Dogs. She trains dogs using gentle, positive reinforcement in your own pool to condition canines to have safe fun in the water. Valleywide, 602-881-1018, azpooldogs.com

Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program It’s no secret cuddling with a pet warms the soul. Turns out, it’s also good medicine. Progressive healthcare professionals now incorporate pet therapy for their human patients to reduce stress, speed healing or add a dose of fun to help the medicine go down. Pet Partners is the organization that trains and evaluates volunteer animal-human teams for visiting nursing homes, hospitals, schools and other facilities. Becoming a registered animal-handling therapy team requires time commitment and completion of rigorous courses required to pass the evaluation process. Think your dog or cat has what it takes? Connect with Pet Partners. deltasociety.org

Quality K9Begleithundeprüfung with the Dr. Doolittle of Phoenix. That’s the German word for the temperament test dogs must pass before moving on to advanced Schutzhund (protection dog) competition. German-born Tino Reinke, owner of Valley-based Quality K9, is a premier trainer specializing in the rigorous discipline that combines the same tracking, obedience and protection skills used by police K9s. But, for a seemingly hardcore regimen, the training process is positive and fun for dogs. That’s because Reinke employs his intuitive Dr. Doolittle-like understanding of the canine mind in a stress-free training environment to bring even the most unruly dogs to fuss (heel). Valleywide, 480-525-5525, qualityk9.com

Petiques & ShopsArizona Humane Society PetiqueHow much is that doggie in the window? Not much. That’s because this pet boutique in pet-friendly Biltmore Fashion Park is an extension of the Arizona Humane Society. In addition to a selection of adoptable cats and dogs, the store carries all the glitzy accoutrements of a well turned-out pet. As adoption fees range from $10-$160, there’s sure to be room in the budget to shop for leashes, “diamond”-studded collars, toys, beds, pet-themed gifts and fashions for both pets and their people. 2502 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, 602-957-3113, azhumane.org/artman2/publish/shop/petique.shtml

CatbitatsBeyond the glass of suburban homes and urban condos, sweet breezes and chirping sparrows tease the feline mind. In short, desperate housecats want out. But the great outdoors is fraught with perils – loose dogs, cars, and the evil resident Tom could spell a tragic end for Fluffy. Drawing on their experience of dealing with wandering and escaping kitties, the folks at Catbitats came up with outdoor enclosure solutions to allow cats to roam in freedom and safety. From simple window decks to elaborate backyard “catios,” Catbitats offers both DIY kits and full design and installation services. 1531 W. Commerce Ave., Gilbert, 480-221-9013, catbitats.com

Choice Pet MarketBurgeoning aisles of basted bones, bandanas, beds, balls and boisterous budgies make this pet supply superstore a blast to explore. Known for their wide selection of premium foods for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and rodents, Choice Pet Market is the place to go for fresh diet products and hard-to-find brands. Also, if you’re ready to succumb to the charms of a homeless critter, visit on weekends when the store features adoptable pets from local animal rescue organizations. Six Valley locations, choicepetmarket.com

Fetch Doggie StoreA little tough to find, but worth the effort, this teensy warehouse-style space is packed willy-nilly with everything from holistic treatments and raw food to upscale pet furniture and horse tack. There’s usually a four-legged “host” underfoot and a crew of friendly staff to help navigate the maze. 14885 N. 83rd Place, Scottsdale, 480-219-1900, fetchdoggiestore.com

H.A.L.O. Thrift BoutiqueWhen high-end consignment clothing and accessories don’t sell at My Sister’s Closet, they go here. They’re the same quality, except the new price is $4 or less. In addition to the designer labels, the north Phoenix shop houses a jumble of lightly-used home furnishings, tchotchkes and whatchamacallits. This is bargain shopping at its best. The kicker? All proceeds go to Helping Animals Live On, a Phoenix-based rescue group committed to creating life-saving strategies for shelter animals. 11649 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, 602-274-3444, halorescue.org/support/thrift-shop.aspx

Kosmo’s DoghouseAsk store manager Ben Irvine about selecting a quality pet food and you’ll tap into his encyclopedic knowledge of raw, organic, holistic, dehydrated and wet diet options. And after he hooks you up with the ideal brand, he’ll even arrange to have it delivered to your home. But that’s not all. Purchase dog food from Kosmo’s and you’ll receive a free self-service dog wash and be enrolled in a “buy 10 get one free” frequent buyer program. In addition to the dog food bennies, the shop offers grooming, training and dog adoption referrals. 10105 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale, 480-391-3647, scottsdalegrooming.com

PetSmartThe national retail pet store giant that’s been anchoring strip malls since the 1980s got its start right here in the Valley. In addition to selling every imaginable pet care product, most stores offer grooming, training, boarding, doggie day care and on-site shelter pet adoption centers and events. But the real fetch-back comes through their sister organization, PetSmart Charities, which donates millions each year to animal welfare causes nationwide. Valleywide, petsmart.com

Ryan’s Pet SuppliesLike a giant Costco, Ryan’s does a good bit of its business through online and catalogue sales. However, locals can dodge forklifts in the cavernous central Phoenix brick-and-mortar warehouse filled floor-to-ceiling with thousands of pet products. Ryan’s caters to groomers, so the front showroom is crammed with tables, tools and their specialty – shampoos by the gallon. There’s a $25 minimum. 1805 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, 800-525-PETS, ryanspet.com

Spike’s TreatsYou may have to fight Fido over the daily-baked treats at this Fountain Hills shop. The all-natural, human-grade ingredients – oats, peanut butter, applesauce, cinnamon – sound like the stuff that goes into your morning muffin. The shop’s owners know how to please both their quadruped and biped customers: In addition to selling house-made treats, they stock a range of natural pet food, pet toys and accessories, and host monthly Yappy Hours, with treats and refreshments provided for adults and their pets. 12645 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills, 480-634-4449, spikestreats.com

The Stock ShopThis iconic Glendale shop is the ultimate hyphenate. It’s a feed-tack-gear-pet-supply-clothing-farm-equipment-down-home-country-store tucked into a big barn. People come from all over the Valley to see the resident potbelly pigs, bunnies and chicks and learn how to properly care for them. With a focus promoting healthy relationships between pets and people, the family-owned business sponsors a Responsible Pet Owner Club, which gives store gift certificates for each pet (up to three) you have spayed or neutered. 6615 W. Thunderbird Rd., Glendale, 623-487-9277, thestockshop.org

Tempe Feed & TackWho knew you could shop for pig food on a busy street just a few miles from Sky Harbor Airport and ASU? A one-stop shop for urban farmers and city pet parents alike, the store’s narrow aisles are chockablock with birdseed, tack, and buckets and tubs not usually found in pet supply stores. 1041 W. University Drive, Tempe, 480-966-3884, tempefeedandtack.com

Mind Meld with Your MalteseThanks to the proliferation of “whisperer”-themed books and TV shows, cross-species communication has been gaining wider acceptance. Whether used to address behavior issues, learn about your cat’s food preferences or determine if Aunt Agatha’s promise to come back and haunt you materialized in the form of your poodle, animal communicators can help bridge the language gap.

Maia Kincaid, Ph.D.“The ability to communicate with animals is a skill all humans possess.” So says Sedona animal communicator and author Maia Kincaid. With a worldwide client base, Kincaid offers consultations and classes for those seeking a deeper understanding of what’s going on inside the minds of their companion animals. People typically inquire about their pets’ health, behaviors and end-of-life medical intervention preferences. When asked if there is a recurring message animals want to send us, Kincaid says that animals often wonder why we as a species can’t be as happy with ourselves as they are with themselves. Sedona, 928-282-2604, maiakincaid.com

Listen2Animals If you’ve ever wondered about the history of an adopted stray pet, animal communicator Debbie Johnstone might be able to help. Take the case of Jace the cat. Jace’s new mom wanted to know where he came from, and through Johnstone’s empathic listening, Jace revealed he ran away from his old home because he was forced to live atop a refrigerator to escape harassment from the resident big black dog. Perhaps Jace’s former owner could have benefited from one of Johnstone’s animal conflict resolution consultations. Offering a variety of remote consults, on-site sessions and intuitive coaching, plus animal talk parties, Listen2Animals makes inter-species understanding fun and rewarding. Phoenix, 480-444-2341, listen2animals.com

Pawsitive TouchCertified Canine Massage Therapist Grace M. Granatelli believes pets deserve luxuries like Reiki, acupressure, massage and aromatherapy. It’s not all for pleasure; the treatments can speed healing and improve pet quality of life by mitigating issues such as fear, flatulence and skin irritations. 480-948-9560, pawsitivetouchtherapy.com

At Your Bark and Call Remember the last time you had to take your cat to the vet? Not fun, huh? That’s one of the reasons Dr. Peggy LaCombe and Dr. Kelly Halvorsen decided to become house call vets. Dr. LaCombe, who incorporates holistic and acupuncture therapies into her practice, feels that pets respond better to treatment in a stress-free home zone. 610 E. Bell Rd., Phoenix, 602-418-6545, atyourbarkandcall.net

Pet Loss Companion Animal Association of Arizona All the volunteers that work at the Pet Grief Support Hotline (602-995-5885, caaainc.org/petgriefsupport.htm) have lost a pet and can empathize with your grief, whether you’re coping with the death of a four-legged friend or anticipating having to euthanize your pet. The association also offers monthly pet loss support group meetings.

Happy Endings In-Home Pet EuthanasiaInstead of making the dreaded trip to the vet’s office, Happy Endings lets you stay at home for your pet’s gentle transition. The website lists resources to help you with difficult decisions, the grieving process, and helping children cope with the loss of a beloved pet. 480-225-3939, happyendingseuthanasia.com

Pet Animal Lovers Service (PALS)The loss of a furry friend is never easy; no matter how prepared we may be, the grief can be overwhelming. Family-owned PALS helps you say goodbye by providing compassionate advice and dignified after life options for all companion animals. From selecting an urn and handling of remains to grief support referrals, PALS eases the pain. 3629 N. 40th Ave., Phoenix, 602-455-6677, ourpals.com

Animal ArtA Dog’s Life Photography & Art“We know how to make your dogs look well behaved.” ’Nuf said. The pros at A Dog’s Life know all the tricks for getting your pooch to sit nice long enough to look like a star. 602-386-9997, phoenixdogphotography.com

Paint the PetWhen it comes to interpreting a pet’s personality in paint, Chelsea Glass wields a wild palette and a loose brush. Not shy with color, her light-hearted creations exude energy and humor. And she makes it easy. Just email her a photo of your pet and – voila! – your pet will be “Picasso’ed.” 480-518-5415, paintthepet.com

Adoption OptionsAmazing Aussies Lethal White Rescue of ArizonaFocusing on the special needs of Australian Shepherds born with a genetic disorder that causes them to be deaf and/or blind, this local nonprofit uses adoption events and nationwide networks to find homes for these ghostly-beautiful canines. Volunteers work with potential adopters, demonstrating how to use simple hand signals to teach these quick-learning dogs to transition easily into homes where humans know their language. amazingaussies.com

Arizona Animal Welfare LeagueIt seems fitting that a shelter founded by “Miss Kitty” would boast a really great cathouse. Amanda Blake, the actress known for her iconic role in the 1960s-era TV show Gunsmoke, was an avid animal lover and led the charge to build the central Phoenix shelter in 1971. Since then, the facility has grown to rehabilitate and resettle more than 2,500 animals each year, including dozens of beautiful felines awaiting adoption in cushy, toy-cluttered communal cattery. 25 N. 40th Place, Phoenix, 602-273-6852, aawl.org

AZ Game & Fish Desert Tortoise AdoptionsThough removing desert tortoises from the wild has been illegal since 1989, old captives and their offspring – which can live 100-plus years – continue to breed, leading to a need for caretakers. Winter is the perfect time to prepare a living space for a tortoise since adoptions take place April to September when they are not hibernating. Once your habitat is complete, you’ll need to submit an online adoption application for review, which may include a home visit by a tortoise expert. azgfd.gov/w_c/captive_tortoise_care.shtml

Greyhounds of FairhavenThey’re lazy. They hardly bark. They shed very little and they give some of the best kisses in dogdom. If there were a list of perfect dog breeds, greyhounds would rank near the top. But because they’re known for racing, misconceptions about the breed’s activity level and temperament persist. Greyhounds of Fairhaven is dedicated to promoting the virtues of the breed and adoption of former racers. They can hook you up with an adoption group and provide info about “the world’s fastest couch potatoes.” 480-419-7133, greyhoundsoffairhaven.org

Nina Mason Pulliam Campus for Compassion This inviting facility of the Arizona Humane Society is home to dozens of dogs, cats and little critters awaiting forever homes. A stroll through the spacious buildings is sure to result in one (or more) of the four-legged residents tugging at your heartstrings. 1521 W. Dobbins Rd., Phoenix, 602-997-7586; 9226 N. 13th Ave., Phoenix, 602-997-7585, azhumane.org

Under One WoofThis shopping mall space’s inventory includes cuddly shelter mutts and cats, all for $150 or less. Pets come spayed or neutered, and the price includes shots, a vet exam and county license for dogs older than 3 months. The mall adoption center specializes in small breeds, so if you prefer Labs over Lhasas, visit the MCACC shelters in Phoenix and Mesa. 9617 N. Metro Parkway West (Metro Center Mall), Phoenix, 602-997-0395, metrocentermall.com/store/under-one-woof; 2630 W. Eighth St., Mesa, 602-506-7387; 2500 S. 27th Ave., Phoenix, 602-506-7387, maricopa.gov/Pets/Adoptions/Default.aspx

Volunteer!Arizona Animal Welfare LeagueBecause AAWL volunteers interact with the public, strong customer service skills and a passion for animals are requirements for success. Adults 18 and over who complete orientation and training go on to work in adoptions, dog walking, foster care, events, fundraising and cat cuddling. There are also volunteer programs for kids and teens. Registration required. 25 N. 40th Place, Phoenix, 602-273-6852, aawl.org/volunteer

Arizona Humane SocietyThanks to its beloved donor-supported reputation and Pets On Parade TV show, volunteer training classes fill up quickly. Volunteers fill roles as dog walkers, kitty cuddlers, adoption counselors, and event hosts, and can work in retail shops that help fund vital services and programs. Volunteers can also complete advanced training to take on roles as shelter docents. azhumane.org/volunteer

Maricopa County Animal Care & ControlMCACC is one of the busiest shelter systems in the nation, so there’s never a dull moment for volunteers who assist staff with walking, socializing, cleaning, adoption counseling and community events. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old and complete nine hours of formal training including orientation, interviews and one-on-one coaching. The cost is a six-month minimum commitment. Additional training is available for volunteers who qualify to work in field services and clinic operations. maricopa.gov/Pets/Volunteer

SNIP, SNIPMetro Phoenix has one of the worst pet overpopulation problems in the nation. The “fix” is in the fix. Spay-neuter has long been the mantra of local shelters and rescue organizations that walk the talk by providing free or low cost alters through both in-hospital and mobile surgery trucks. Services are in high demand and therefore may entail getting on a waiting list, standing in line for first-come-first-served events or signing up for a voucher program. The following are just a few resources to neuter Scooter.

Partners Dog TrainingSooner or later, you will run into a rattlesnake when hiking in the Valley, and dogs find them irresistible. A bite can be devastating (and costly), and the canine rattler vaccination is not a foolproof solution. (The vaccine was developed for Western Diamondback venom but may provide some protection against other species. To be effective, dogs must get boosters every six months.) The best medicine is prevention. Partners Dog Training uses real snakes and aversion techniques developed to condition dogs to run from snakes instead of moving in to investigate. 4640 E. Forest Pleasant Place, Cave Creek, 480-595-6700, snakeproofing.com

Whether you’re relocating or just recreating, the Valley’s diverse and distinctive neighborhoods offer a host of haunts to explore. From family friendly enclaves to hidden historic ’hoods, plus meccas for outdoorsy types, foodies an...